LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — The Rockies inspire criticism like no other pro Colorado sports team. It’s the result of three straight losing seasons and consecutive last-place finishes in the National League West.

However, they did enjoy a rather productive winter meetings, a place where they have typically been shut out because of their tight budget and reluctance to trade prospects.

They acquired Brett Anderson — “An impact starter,” said assistant general manager Bill Geivett — signed first baseman Justin Morneau — he was in Denver on Wednesday and his deal should become official Friday or Monday — and left Thursday feeling confident they would sign a left-handed reliever like J.P. Howell or Boone Logan.

Both players have reciprocated the Rockies’ interest with Howell the slight favorite. It will take a multi-year deal to sign one of them, with Javier Lopez establishing the market with a three-year, $13-million contract earlier this winter with the Giants.

The Rockies like Howell’s versatility. He pitched well against left-handers and right-handers last season, and knows the National League West having spent last season with the Dodgers. He’s not a hard thrower, which would be ideal, but has good command of multiple pitches, including a sinker and curveball. Howell, 30, pitched 10 times against the Rockies last season without allowing a run.

Logan, 29, has been a workhorse for the Yankees the past three seasons, appearing in 205 games. He held left-handers to a .221 average in 77 at-bats last year.

Morse off board
The Rockies had interest in slugger Michael Morse on a one-year deal, though trying to carve out at-bats for him as a left fielder might not have been a good fit given the spacious grounds at Coors Field. Morse signed a one-year, $6-million contract with the Giants on Thursday after turning down the Astros.

The Rockies have been connected to Nelson Cruz, but their interest remains mild. Same goes for catcher Kurt Suzuki. They talked to him earlier this winter, but he does not appear to be a fit at this point.

Footnotes
The Rockies selected Tommy Kahnle with the eighth selection in the Rule 5 Draft Thursday. He will compete for a bullpen spot in spring training. Kahnle, 24, spent last season at Double-A Trenton with the Yankees. The 6-foot-1, 230-pound Kahnle went 1-3 with 15 saves, a 2.85 ERA (60.0 ip, 19 er), 45 walks and 74 strikeouts in 46 games for Trenton last season. Opponents hit just .182 against Kahnle in 2013. .. The Rangers selected Russell Wilson in the minor league portion of the Rule 5 draft. He was technically property of the Rockies, even though he gave up baseball to pursue his NFL career. Don’t worry fantasy league owners, Wilson isn’t leaving the Seahawks for the Rangers.